NEWS ARCHIVE

Fuel economy priority for some at auto show

Auto show runs through Sunday

The Milwaukee Auto Show runs through next Sunday at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee.

Fuel economy priority for some at auto show

Auto show runs through Sunday

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Updated: 8:09 PM CST Feb 23, 2013

MILWAUKEE —

Gas prices dropped for the first time in 36 days on Saturday. AAA said the national average fell a fraction of a penny to $3.78 per gallon for regular gasoline.

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Milwaukee and Waukesha-area drivers are paying the same, which is $.52 higher than a month ago.

At the Milwaukee Auto Show, the fuel efficiency of the vehicles depends on where visitors stop. Tammy Villwok said fuel efficiency is a top priority for her because she drives from Milwaukee to Waukesha for work.

“So I’m driving the freeway to work five days a week, so something that has a lot of good fuel mileage is pretty important,” Villwok said.

Those who represent the automakers at car shows across the nation said fuel efficiency tends to be the No. 1 priority for consumers. They said cold weather handling is a close second in the Midwest.

For Mike Case, capacity is the most important factor. His wife and five children checked out a Ford Expedition. He said fuel efficiency would not influence their decision.

“We have five kids, so a family of seven, so we’re looking (for) size,” he said. “And we’re just going to have to suck it up for the next five years.”

Others said they are looking for a mix. Sitting in a Chevy Volt, Ed Haase said he was looking for performance and efficiency.

The Milwaukee Auto Show runs through next Sunday at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee.